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Plan to replace parking spaces with trees along Clematis Street on hold

Business owners, visitors complain about already scarce parking

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Updated: 6:08 PM EDT May 29, 2012

A plan that would replace parking spots with trees on Clematis Street is being put on hold after objections by business owners and visitors to downtown.

Plan to replace parking spaces with trees along Clematis Street on hold

Business owners, visitors complain about already scarce parking

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Updated: 6:08 PM EDT May 29, 2012

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —

The people have spoken, and West Palm Beach is listening -- at least for now.

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A plan that would have eliminated more than a dozen parking spots to make way for trees along Clematis Street has been put on hold after complaints from business owners and visitors to downtown.

"This was basically an idea to add a little more shade to the downtown area to Clematis Street," city spokesman Elliot Cohen told WPBF 25 News' Ted White.

Under the beautification project that was proposed, oak trees would replace seven parking spaces and six motorcycle spaces in the 200, 300 and 500 blocks of Clematis Street. But the plan has drawn opposition from Clematis Street business owners.

"Everybody that's been down on Clematis will tell you it's difficult to find a parking spot," business owner Russ Griffin said. "So we're very protective of them, and we don't want to lose any of them for any reason if we can avoid it."

Visitors who come to Clematis Street for the restaurants, shopping and entertainment also don't like the idea.

"Don't do it," Justin Battaglini said. "Don't take out the parking spaces because we need them."

City leaders met with some of the business owners and heard their concerns.

"So after talking with them, the reality is that we as a city, we're here to serve the public, and if it's something that the business owners are concerned about, then it's something that we want to work with them to try to reach a compromise with them," Cohen said. "So, at least at this point, we're putting it on hold."

The remainder of the beautification project will go ahead as planned. It includes new street lighting, benches and trash receptacles.